He is best known for the films The Wood (1999), Brown Sugar (2002), and Dope (2015), as well as for his work on the television series The Mandalorian, for which he directed five episodes and served as an executive producer for the third season.
[2] In 1996, prior to graduation, Famuyiwa created a 12-minute short film entitled Blacktop Lingo that garnered critical positive feedback and led to his invitation to the Sundance Filmmaker's Institute.
[1] During his time at the Sundance Director's Lab, Famuyiwa perfected the film's script and identified close to half of the cast, Omar Epps and Taye Diggs included.
While attempting to sober him up and bring him back to reality, the three friends from junior high reminisce on their times as adolescents in "the Wood", an affectionate abbreviation for their hometown of Inglewood.
With Barack Obama possibly becoming the first African American president, Famuyiwa was interested in making a film that would be reflective of the exciting, changing times.
It stars Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, and A$AP Rocky.
He had been on board since June developing the project, even overseeing the castings of Kiersey Clemons and Billy Crudup in key roles.
Famuyiwa gave a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on the matter: When I was approached by Warner Bros and DC about the possibility of directing The Flash, I was excited about the opportunity to enter this amazing world of characters that I loved growing up, and still do to this day.
I wish Warner Brothers, DC, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Ezra Miller all the best as they continue their journey into the speed force.
In July 2018, Famuyiwa was announced to produce a film called Sadé, written by Ola Shokunbi and Lindsey Reed Palmer and centered on an African princess.
Reflecting on his own experiences of securing funding and support for his films, Famuyiwa believes that there are still many stereotypes and barriers to break down in the industry in order for African Americans to be accredited the respect they deserve.
[4] A common belief and reality for African American filmmakers like Famuyiwa is that films with a majority black cast and direction often face obstacles in securing funding and support for such projects.
And as long as you can deliver scripts that are under $10 million with no effects, that you can shoot in 30 days and get back 'X' amount, I think you can always have a steady stream of a certain kind of film.
"[4] While working on The Wood, Famuyiwa experienced difficulties in generating the kind of support he would need to make the film a box office hit.
Later on that year, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards nominated The Wood for Outstanding Motion Picture.